Most of us are familiar with this verse from John 12:8: “The poor you will always have with you…” But what does it mean and how does it affect our lives? Is it an excuse to pass them by (like the priest and the Levite in the parable of the good Samaritan) because they will never change and always be with us? Jesus teaches otherwise, and even describes how our treatment of the poor has eternal consequences for each of us.
The poor includes people who have fallen on hard times, some who lost their jobs and are unable to find work, some are unable to work, some are ne’er-do-wells who will not work, some are drug addicts or alcoholics, and some have hearts hungry for love and truth. Our responsibility is to be sowers of God’s truth and love, then let God sort them out; that’s His job, not ours.
Limited resource persons (my preferred term) have life crises, just like you and me, but with limited or no safety net and support network. They may be just one crisis away from losing a job and homelessness (severe illness, car breaks down, family crisis, etc.), while people with resources can typically handle crises more easily. They make unwise (and often sinful) decisions, just like the rest of us, but the stakes are higher because they don’t have the resources to recover.
They often have several interrelated, intractable problems (called wicked problems) – they can’t keep a job because their vehicle breaks down, but they can’t afford a reliable vehicle because they don’t have the money (because they can’t keep a job) and on and on. They also experience more crime because they can’t afford to live in nicer, safer areas.
Society says these people are addicted, but our Lord sees them as afflicted. They are sinners, just like you and me, and they need the Lord – the truth and love of Christ. When we focus on their sin and shortcomings, we will not see their pain, loneliness, and suffering.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Limited resource persons may be Spirit-led Christians who effectively witness to many people you or I may never encounter. Three limited resource friends I know are materially poor but spiritually rich, and share their spiritual wealth freely with everyone who comes across their path. They are real missionaries, reaching people we will likely never meet, but all loved by God. And in Revelation 3, Jesus describes how we can be materially wealthy but spiritually poor (true poverty). Without Christ, we are headed for the Lake of Fire. This is true poverty.
Limited resource persons are image bearers of God, and God tells us to care for them as He cares for us. In Matthew 25, Jesus, spoke to His disciples about the hungry, the thirsty, the strangers, and those in prison:
“Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” Matthew 25:31-40.
So how we relate to the poor is a serious matter. We are called to minister to them.
A few suggestions:
Ask the Lord – how should I help them, because we don’t know what is going on in his/her life. Then respond as led by the Holy Spirit. There are many ways to help them, only one of which is money. Sometimes their greatest need is for someone to recognize them and treat them as human beings. Or perhaps they need a mentor who can counsel them on their life journey.
Many churches have outreach initiatives to serve limited resource persons with spiritual and physical needs. We can join those, or start a new one in our church as the Spirit leads. And there are non-profits formed to serve limited resource persons who always need volunteers.
We can inquire about their situation, be compassionate, honest, and caring, help them as best we can, and point them to other resources.
We can ask the hard but important questions, speak the truth with love, hold them accountable, set boundaries and limits as appropriate, and pray with them and for them.
Some churches prepare and give out Blessing Bags – small bags with some food, a bottle of water, and a New Testament or booklet with scripture. It feeds their bodies and their souls. (Cost/bag from a dollar store – $6).
We should help them discover and fulfill the Lord’s calling on their life rather than merely meeting their physical needs.
So let us go forth with the joy and hope of the Lord, ministering to those whom the Lord brings across our path, for we will then be doing the work of the Lord, for our joy and His glory. And let us “not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” Hebrews 13:2.
To God be the glory.
Mark Peterson, Ph.D, is a retired educator who’s worked with people in Southeast Arkansas. His blog, LifeintheSpirit.net, provides a Biblical perspective on current events.
Editor’s note: Pastors, ministers or other writers interested in writing for this section may submit articles for consideration to shope@adgnewsroom.com. Please include your phone number and the name and location of your church or ministry. Writers should have a connection to Southeast Arkansas.